Frequently Asked Questions

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Can Chiropractic help me?

Chiropractic care will benefit everybody in some way just as dental care will benefit almost everyone in some way. The reason being it is very difficult to go through life without having the stress of life affect the structure of your spine in some way. If a subluxation is diagnosed, chiropractic adjustments will be beneficial. The degree of response may vary due to the length of time the condition has existed, the lifestyle of the patient and one's compliance to the care plan.

Does the adjustment hurt?

Typically, no. If one is in so much pain that simply touching the spine hurts, the doctor may apply ice for 15 or 20 minutes and that will reduce the discomfort for the procedure. An adjustment is felt and heard like cracking one's knuckles. There could be some stretching sensation felt when the lower back or pelvis is adjusted in the side posture position and that is normal.

What is the cracking sound?

Your vertebral joints (bone and disc) are highly pressurised joint. When the joint is corrected nitrogen gas is released resulting in the noise heard. It can be equated to opening a can of soft drink.. When we hear the shhhhhM

What should I expect after an adjustment?

Often times after the first adjustment you will feel tired. The body often needs time to heal and wants to rest. This is normal. A subluxation causes pressure on the nerve and when this pressure is released the nerve may become overactive. About 3-5% of people may experience a sensation like their arms or legs are tingling. If this occurs it typically lasts a couple of hours or less and does not occur again. Some patients feel a little general soreness. When a joint has been subluxated, muscles and ligaments become excessively tight and contracted to prevent further misalignment of the bone. So when the correction is made, these muscle can now relax however as they have been working so hard they may remain sore for up to 72 hours.

How many adjustments will I need?

It is impossible to predict exactly how many visits a new patient will need to resolve their initial condition because each injury is different and each individual's healing response is different. We give each patient an estimate on how long their recovery may take after the initial exam and will have an even better idea after 2-3 visits. Once we have improved or resolved their initial complaint(s), most patients decide to come in for regular (one to six month) checkups for maintenance of their spine to reduce future episodes and for better overall health.

Will my Doctor give me exercises?

YES. The doctors will give you exercises specifically for your condition. Exercise is not recommended until the motion of the spine has been restored to at least 50% of its normal movement. Prior to that the muscle will not receive the exercise well and may aggravate the presenting problem.

Who should be checked for subluxations?

EVERYONE. If you have a spine and a nervous system, you should be checked. The doctors at Discover Chiropractic have experience in treating infants to the elderly.

Do I need a referral from my medical doctor to see a Chiropractor?

No. Chiropractors are primary health care physicians, however, we are happy to accept referrals as we work well with medical doctors in the community.

What if my problem is not one that required Chiropractic?

Being a primary contact practitioner your chiropractor will know when to refer you to another appropriate provider. Chiropractors are trained in organ systems diagnosis along with musculo-skeletal diagnosis and refer accordingly.

Is Chiropractic safe?

Yes, chiropractic is extremely safe. No significant risk of complications from receiving a Gonstead Method chiropractic adjustment is known to exist... none. Considering that the Gonstead Method has been widely used for over 50 years, this fact is quite impressive. Chiropractic adjustments of the spine are internationally recognised as being far safer in dealing with neck and low back pain than medication and many other alternatives.

Yes. Rest assured that we will avoid the surgically modified areas of your spine. Surgery often causes instability above or below the involved level. This will be the focus of your chiropractic care.

Isn't some back pain normal?

Pain of any kind, at any age, is a sign that something isn't right. Pain is the way your body signals that a limit has been reached or a problem has developed. Since we can adapt, minor aches and pains are often shrugged off. While they may go away, if the underlying problem remains unattended, the problem can slowly worsen until it becomes more difficult and expensive to resolve.

Can patients with osteoporosis get Chiropractic care?

Of course. your chiropractic doctor considers the unique circumstances of each client. There are many ways to adjust the spine. The method selected will be best suited to your age, size and condition.

Can I adjust myself?

No. Some people can make their joints "pop" but that's not an adjustment! Worse, damage can occur by mobilizing a joint with weakened muscles and ligaments. Adjustments are specific and must only be applies to the joint that is subluxated. It take years to master and even your chiropractic doctor must consult a colleague to benefit from chiropractic care.

Why would a newborn get adjusted?

Even today's "natural" childbirth methods can affect an infant's spine. Adjustments are gentle. Knowing exactly where to adjust, no more pressure than you'd use to test the ripeness of a tomato is involved.